Trains, boats and coaches - 10 action packed days for you to see the best of New Zealand from Christchurch to Queenstown and Milford in the South, Wellington, Rotorua and Waitomo in the North...

Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south to Timaru, and Oamaru.  Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin, the 'Edinburg of the South'.  Arrive in early afternoon with time for optional sightseeing of the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Overnight in Dunedin.

Day 2: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional sightseeing.  - Now is the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore.  The countryside becomes drier as you reach Lumsden, Mossburn and your first glimpse of Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
As you travel through the Fiordland National Park you will pass the Mirror Lake, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm.  A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included.  Then you climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau and across country to the alpine playground of Queenstown. Three nights in Queenstown

Days 4 and 5: At Queenstown
Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well, thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 6: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Travel through the rocky Kawarau Gorge and past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass.  The Mackenzie Country lies before you as you head towards Mt Cook in the heart of the Southern Alps.  You have a brief stop here for optional flight seeing or lunch(not included) before travelling on to Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepperd.  Cross Burkes Pass to Fairlies before returning to Christchurch, where you will overnight.

Day 7: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
The Tranz Coastal train makes an early start through dry North Canterbury sheep country.  Next it edges along the narrow coastal strip between the ocean and the rugged Kaikora Ranges, before turning inland to Blenheim and Picton.  Board the Interislander ferry to cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to the Wellington in the North Island.  You will arrive in the late afternoon so consider an evening sightseeing tour or an additional night in Wellington to explore the capital city. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 8: Wellington - Rotorua
Travel north along the Kaikora Coast and then ascend the central plateau, where the peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe stand watch over Lake Taupo.  Pass the steam fields of Wairakei and exotic forests to arrive in fiery Rotorua. Attend a fascinating Maori hangi(feast) and concert tonight. Stay two nights in Rotorua

Day 9: At Rotorua
A half day sightseeing tour is included. You will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome.  This afternoon is free and there are many activities to enjoy.

Day 10: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
After leaving fiery Rotorua, you travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves. Board an underground punt to cruise in awe below a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue via Hamilton and the Waikato River to Auckland once more.  You arrive at approximately 4.50 pm.

This tour operates in reverse from Auckland.